Forum To Discuss Advances In Stem Cell Therapy For Treating Blindness And More

Hailed by scientists and medical practitioners as the cure for a host of previously unsolvable medical dilemmas, including arthritis, blindness, paralysis and a number of neuro-muscular disorders, stem cell research has drawn attention, as well, from those questioning the appropriateness of some methods of harvesting these cells.

Stan Geels is owner of one of south Denver’s most popular gathering spots, Stella’s Coffee House, 1476 S. Pearl St. Geels’ granddaughter, Vianca, was born born blind Oct. 4. 2008, due to Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH). While local physicians have come up empty-handed in their attempts to restore sight to the charming 8-month-old, Vianca’s parents, Sachae Cordova and Augustine Marez, were made aware of a stem-cell-based therapy being practiced in China that has had great success treating others with Vianca’s condition.